Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Easy, Delicious Recipe Guide

My first bite of Chicken Cordon Bleu blew my mind. I didn’t think chicken, ham, and cheese could taste so good all wrapped up together. It’s soft inside, crunchy outside, and kinda fancy but also homey. Folks say it started in Switzerland and meant “blue ribbon” for top quality, but honestly I just know it’s super popular everywhere now.

Rolling and frying each piece takes forever though, so someone smart turned it into a casserole. Now you get the same creamy, melty mix without standing over the stove. It’s all in one pan, you can make it ahead, and it feeds a bunch of people. Perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend dinner.

In this guide I’ll walk you through making Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole step by step. You’ll see the key ingredients, how to put it together, and extra tips to make it even better. Whether you’re sticking to the classic or spicing it up a bit, this recipe’s gonna be a hit with your family and friends.

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What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken Cordon Bleu is basically chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried until it’s golden brown. The chicken is pounded thin so it rolls up easy, and inside you usually get Swiss cheese that melts just right. When you cut it open you see layers of meat and gooey cheese—that’s the good part.

They say it dates back to Switzerland, and “Cordon Bleu” means “blue ribbon” in French. That was a way to show it was a top-notch dish. Over time people tried it with turkey, different kinds of cheese, even fish. But the classic combo is chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese.

The big three ingredients are chicken, ham, and cheese. Chicken keeps it lean and full of protein. Ham adds a salty punch, and Swiss cheese gives it that creamy, nutty flavor. Mix those and you’ve got a dish that works for dinner parties, family meals, or just when you’re craving something comforting.

Why Casserole?

Casseroles are lifesavers when you don’t wanna fuss in the kitchen. You just mix stuff in one bowl, pour it in a pan, and bake. No frying dozens of rolls or juggling pots and pans.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole still has all the flavors but in an easy format. You mix shredded chicken, ham, cheese, creamy soup, and seasonings. Top it with breadcrumbs or panko so it gets a nice crunch. Then bake until bubbly and golden.

The best part is you can put it together ahead of time and stick it in the fridge. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven. And if you’ve got picky eaters, you can switch out ingredients—use cheddar, turkey, or even add some veggies. It’s flexible and still tastes great.

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Ingredients Needed for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

To whip up this casserole, gather:

• Chicken breast: 2 cups cooked and shredded—gives you a good protein base.
• Ham or Canadian bacon: 1 cup diced—for that salty, savory kick.
• Swiss cheese: 1½ cups shredded—melts perfectly and tastes mild.
• Cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)—for a creamy texture (you can use mushroom or homemade).
• Milk: ½ cup—to thin out the soup and bind everything.
• Breadcrumbs or panko: 1½ cups—gives crunch on top when baked.
• Seasonings: ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon pepper—to boost flavor.
• Optional toppings: ½ cup shredded cheese blend (like Latino cheese) or parsley to freshen it up.

Directions to Prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Follow these steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish so it won’t stick.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a big bowl combine shredded chicken, diced ham, Swiss cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir until it’s all coated.
3. Layer the Casserole: Spread half the mix in the baking dish. Sprinkle more Swiss cheese on top, then add the rest of the chicken mix.
4. Top with Breadcrumbs: Evenly cover with breadcrumbs or panko. If you want, add the extra cheese blend and parsley now.
5. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden. If it looks too brown on top, cover loosely with foil.
6. Optional Air Fryer Method: Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 20–25 minutes if your air fryer is big enough.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 450–500
• Protein: 35–40 g
• Carbs: 30–35 g
• Fats: 20–25 g

To lighten it up, use low-fat cheese or reduced-sodium soup.

Variations of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Try these tweaks:

• Cheese options: Gouda, cheddar, or provolone instead of Swiss.
• Different proteins: Turkey, ham only, or plant-based chicken.
• Gluten-free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Veggie boost: Mix in broccoli, carrots, or spinach for color and nutrients.

Expert Tips for Making the Perfect Casserole

• Prep ahead: Shred chicken, dice ham, and measure out spices before you start.
• Storage and reheating: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Side dishes: Serve with a green salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread.
• For a crowd: Double the recipe and use a bigger dish so everyone gets a plate.

FAQs

What are the best sides to serve?
Fresh salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread go great with it.

How do you reheat it?
Microwave for 2–3 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Can it be made ahead?
Yes—assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes when baking.

Substitute for cream of chicken soup?
Use cream of mushroom, homemade white sauce, or even coconut cream mixed with broth.

How long do leftovers last?
They keep in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container.

Can you freeze it?
Sure—let it cool, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings all the cozy, cheesy, and crunchy parts of the original into an easy bake. It’s simple, tasty, and you can make it your own with new ingredients or seasonings. Give it a try—your family will thank you!

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes the classic flavors of the beloved dish and transforms them into a comforting and easy-to-make casserole. With layers of tender chicken, ham, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping, it's perfect for a family dinner or gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch baking dish
• 1 large saucepan
• 1 mixing spoon
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 whisk
• 1 measuring cups and spoons
• 1 oven

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 2 cups cooked pasta elbow or rotini works well
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced ham, cooked pasta, shredded Swiss cheese, milk, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
• Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
• In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole to create a crispy topping.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add vegetables such as broccoli or peas for extra nutrition.

You can use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.

This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's going in cold.

For a different flavor, try using different types of cheese or ham.